Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid had some major explaining to do when he telephoned President Barack Obama on Saturday to apologize for racially charged comments he made privately during the presidential campaign.
Journalists Mark Halperin and John Heilemann disclosed the remarks in their new book, Game Change.
“He [Reid] was wowed by Obama’s oratorical gifts and believed that the country was ready to embrace a black presidential candidate, especially one such as Obama — a ‘light-skinned’ African American ‘with no Negro dialect, unless he wanted to have one,’ ” Halperin and Heilemann told CNN.
In a statement to CNN, Reid said, “I deeply regret using such a poor choice of words.”
“I sincerely apologize for offending any and all Americans, especially African Americans for my improper comments.
“I was a proud and enthusiastic supporter of Barack Obama during the campaign and have worked as hard as I can to advance President Obama’s legislative agenda,” said the senator from Nevada.
Really, Senator Reid. Negro … dialect. We’re flummoxed.
The president is an Ivy League-educated world traveler with a multiethnic worldview. If he were not well-spoken, it would be a serious indictment of the American educational system.
The bigger question is, why in the 21st century are you using the term “Negro” to describe African Americans. And what, pray tell, is Negro dialect? Can you issue a statement on that and clear it up for us?
Black people have certainly struggled with what to call ourselves, but we haven’t been “Negroes” since the middle of the last century.
While many were galled by Reid’s gaffe, the president was unequivocal in accepting his apology.
“Harry Reid called me today and apologized for an unfortunate comment reported today,” Obama said in a statement.
“I accepted Harry’s apology without question because I’ve known him for years, I’ve seen the passionate leadership he’s shown on issues of social justice and I know what’s in his heart. As far as I am concerned, the book is closed.”
–michele fling
Did Senator Reid’s apology close the book for you?
